Australia / Oceania

Driver In Melbourne Crash Had A History Of Assault, Drug Use

Police say the man who rammed a vehicle into a crowd in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday had a history of assault, drug use and mental health issues.

Driver In Melbourne Crash Had A History Of Assault, Drug Use
CNN
Article by Briana Koeneman
SMS
December 21, 2017

Police say the man who rammed a vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday had a history of assault, drug use and mental health issues. 

The acting commissioner of the Victoria Police told reporters the driver is a 32-year-old Australian citizen of Afghan decent. He was previously known to police for minor offenses.

Both the driver and a 24-year-old man were arrested at the scene.

Authorities say they believe the crash was deliberate but that they don't have any evidence to indicate a connection with terrorism. 

The incident sent 19 people to the hospital. A motive is still unknown.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.